Why Delays in India’s Defense Projects Are a Growing Concern for National Security

Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh recently pointed out a harsh truth: not a single defense project in India has been completed on time. He shared his concerns at the CII Annual Business Summit, questioning why promises are made when everyone knows the deadlines are unrealistic. For example, the Tejas fighter jet, a key part of India’s air defense, is significantly delayed. A ₹48,000 crore contract for the Tejas MK1A was signed in 2021, with deliveries expected from March 2024, but not a single jet has been delivered yet. Similarly, advanced projects like the Tejas MK2 and the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) have no prototypes ready, further slowing progress.

How Delays Affect India’s Defense

These delays are a big problem because they weaken India’s military readiness. India shares tense borders with Pakistan and China, both of whom are rapidly modernizing their armed forces. China, in particular, is building advanced fighter jets and expanding its air force. If India’s projects like Tejas or AMCA fall behind, it creates a gap in our defense capabilities. For instance, without enough modern jets, the Indian Air Force may struggle to maintain air superiority in a conflict, which is crucial for national security. The Air Chief stressed that today’s needs must be met now, not years later, to stay prepared for any threat.

The Trust Gap Between Military and Industry

A major issue, as the Air Chief noted, is the lack of trust between the military and the defense industry. Contracts are signed with timelines that both sides know are unrealistic, leading to delays that disrupt the entire system. This lack of coordination hurts India’s goal of becoming self-reliant in defense.

The Air Chief emphasized that India must focus not only on manufacturing but also on designing its own weapons to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. For this to work, the military and industry need to be open, honest, and committed to meeting deadlines.

The Way Forward

The Air Chief’s message is clear: India’s defense cannot afford delays. Wars are won when forces are strong, and that strength comes from timely delivery of equipment. To face challenges from Pakistan and China, India must fix these delays by improving coordination, setting realistic goals, and fostering trust between the military and industry. Building a self-reliant defense system is not just about making weapons but ensuring they are ready when needed most.

In simple words, these delays are like waiting for a shield when danger is near. India must act fast to ensure its defense projects are completed on time, keeping the country safe and strong.